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Combining acetyl salicylic acid and rofecoxib into novel oral tablets normalize platelet function with potential higher tolerability in patients with cardiovascular disorders

Research Authors
Mahmoud A. Younis, Helal F. Hetta, Mohamed A. Y. Abdel-Malek, Hassan Refat H. Ali, Noha N. Atia, Hesham M. Tawfeek
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
59
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224720311400
Research Year
2020
Research Abstract

Rofecoxib (ROF), a potent selective COX-II inhibitor NSAID, has been withdrawn from the market due to its high risk on patients with cardiovascular disorders (CVD). In the current study, an attempted to re-introduce ROF into the market via co-formulation with the antiplatelet drug, Aspirin, to neutralize ROF effect on the platelet function has been investigated. Solubility and dissolution profiles of ROF were studied and improved through formulation into solid dispersions with Soluplus® before being mixed with a low dose of Aspirin. The novel drug combination was incorporated into oral tablets with various compositions to optimize the tablets physico-chemical performance. In addition, a new validated HPLC method was developed for simultaneous assessment of both drugs in the tablets. The optimized tablets demonstrated satisfactory physico-chemical performance. The developed HPLC method was accurate, precise, robust and sensitive with limits of detection (LODs) of 2.96 and 0.25 μg/mL and limits of quantitation (LOQs) of 8.77 and 0.77 μg/mL for Aspirin and ROF, respectively. The novel co-therapy showed normal platelet function in rabbits in opposite to ROF monothrapy. The data presented in this study can be promising to re-utilize ROF as an effective and selective NSAID, to satisfy the market's demand, while ensuring its safety in CVD patients.